Hi Mandy, thanks for stopping by. So you’re a soon-to-be famous singer. I think that’s a dream many of us (including yours truly) share. How did you start out on this road?
I started singing when I was a little girl. I come from a very musical family and was influenced from an early age to work in music.
There’s obviously a lot of artistic work which goes into your creations, but could you tell us a little bit about the business side. Do you need to be incorporated, have insurance? What’s all the infrastructure behind a business such as yours?
Yes but I don't know all the details on the business aspect- my producer is the actual business owner.
When you were starting out, what was your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge was coming up with money for production and recording costs.
Like many small businesses, no matter their form, I’m sure you outsourced a lot of your services such as accounting, legal, PR and such. How did you choose who to work with?
WAV productions sought me out as a vocalist through some mutual connections. The choice was easy after I had a few business meetings and discovered that we had the same goals.
Right now, what’s your biggest challenge?
Financial overruns for production and recording.
Can you offer your views about how it is being a new singer in what is an ever increasing fragmented advertising space? Do you think having utube and all these other music sites make it easier for you to grow, or make it more difficult as there are now so many places people look for music?
I think music sites offer a great advantage for independent record companies. I've made a lot of great contacts through music sites that helped in furthering my career.
Where do you do your marketing?
Myspace, Facebook, Mp3.com, garageband.com, Newspapers.
Like any successful musician, you are on the road a lot. What is your worst story?
Hmmmm worst story about being on the road would have to be, when I was booked to perform at an event and at the last minute they cut my performance time down because the event planners were running behind. That stunk.
It must be a lot of fun interacting with your fans. Any particular memorable encounter?
Yes, one fan who was pregnant had me a sign an autograph for her future daughter. I thought that was pretty amazing.
What are your plans for the next year? Any new albums coming out?
Yes, its a slow process right now due to financial restraints but I plan on releasing new material this year.
For those who haven’t yet heard of you – can you describe your music? Where can they hear it?
My music is a mix of country/crossover and some pop. Its well rounded. www.myspace.com/mandymillersmusic
Mandy Miller is a superstar on the rise! Featured on the front pages from papers across PA to New York her career is just starting to take off in all the right directions. Her first single "If I leave" has made country hit radio station Thunder 102 and been embraced by loving fans who have connected with it's powerful lyrics. Now Mandys second release "If You could see me Now" is also being played on Thunder 102 and getting rave reviews. Setting the stage for major Country Acts Lonestar, Brad Paisley, and Craig Morgan were amazing experiences for Mandy as she took part in opening up for these amazing stars. Mandy is now training under famed vocal coach Brett Manning of CMT's Can you Duet who is bringing Mandy to new levels of vocal recognition. Singing since she was a little girl and from a rich musical family, Mandy is leaving her mark on the world one step at a time and is sure to be remembered for her powerful voice and warm personality. Mandy found herself growing up in the warm sun and southern lifestyle in Florida. In her high school years Mandy nestled in the sticks in PA in the small town of Milford where she graduated as "Most Musical" of her class. Mandy now resides in the heart of Sullivan County NY when she's not performing across the tri state area and traveling back and forth to Nashville. Currently in the studio finishing up her album Mandy is thrilled to continue to entertain the crowds with her voice and passion for music and life. With an exciting summer filled with special events Mandy Miller is leaving her imprint where ever she goes.
Dave Blake, the interviewer, is a serial
entrepreneur with a long history of helping consult small
companies.
He's had a thriving photography studio for the last several
years called www.daveblakephotography.com. He
currently is working on several new ideas while actively
consulting several startup companies. Dave has a passion
helping business owners realizing their dream of creating their
life's dream. You can read more about his services at http://www.dmbenterpriseconsulting.com
